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For the past five years, Gemma Hall, 24, has kept a controversial appointment two or three times almost every week. Although she says these sessions make her feel “calmer” when stressed and boost her confidence, her parents, for a start, are concerned. Gemma is one of the surprising new generation of sunbed devotees.

A bright and articulate criminology graduate, she is well aware she is risking skin cancer, but ploughs on regardless. Such is her desire for the perma-tanned look popularised by the likes of Love Island stars — not to mention influencers paid by tanning brands to plug their products. “I feel more confident with a tan and my clothes look nicer,” Gemma, a careers adviser from Manchester, said.



Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. “My friends use them too so it doesn’t feel like a big deal. “And I like the fact that a tan from a sunbed lasts longer than fake tan, is obviously natural and I can see the results almost straight away rather than having to wait for it to develop over several hours.

” As for the substantial risk of skin cancer — sunbed exposure before the age of 35 has been proven to increase the risk of malignant melanoma by as much as 75 per cent — she is aware but undeterred. “I’m well aware of the risks,” she said. “But I’d never go on for more than five or six minutes at a time, two or three times a week.

“My view is that everything should be done in moderation, whethe.

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